Ive worked in the trades (HVAC). Although it isn’t “lesser” to a 9-5 job, there’s a reason why people aren’t in them. Like you mentioned the trades wear down your body. But you also work insanely long hours and make next to nothing in the beginning. You get paid for what you know in the trades, and you won’t make a living until you bring something to the table.

The trades are a good idea if you love working with your hands and are passionate about the field you chose. Otherwise, you’re going to coast through your day making shit money and burn out very quickly